look at

USAGE SUMMARY

"look at" is a perfectly acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to express an idea of looking, examining, or gathering information. For example, "When I looked at the report, I realized there had been an error."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Look at Rita; look at Misha.

The New Yorker

And, look at this, look at Google".

The New Yorker

"Look at MY thighs".

The New York Times

But look at him.

The New York Times - Sports

Look at these drawings!

The New Yorker

"Hey, look at me!

The New York Times

Look at my record.

The New York Times

"Look at my ass!

The New Yorker

Look at welfare.

Independent

"Look at my wife".

The New Yorker

"Look at his ears.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look at" when you want to direct someone's attention to something, whether physically or metaphorically. It's versatile for both concrete observations and abstract considerations.

Common error

While "look at" is perfectly acceptable in many contexts, overuse in formal writing can sound repetitive or simplistic. Consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "examine", "consider", or "analyze" to add nuance and precision to your prose.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "look at" is as a phrasal verb, specifically a transitive phrasal verb when it takes an object. It directs attention or indicates observation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

31%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look at" is a common and versatile phrasal verb used to direct attention, prompt consideration, or encourage examination. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted in written English. While suitable for most contexts, formal writing might benefit from more sophisticated synonyms like "examine" or "consider". Its frequency across News & Media, Wiki, and Science shows its adaptability. When using "look at", ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality and that it effectively guides the audience's focus. The phrase is a fundamental part of English communication, serving both literal and metaphorical purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a look

This alternative is a more casual way to say "look at", often implying a quick glance.

check out

This alternative is an informal way of saying "look at", often used to express interest or curiosity.

examine

This alternative suggests a more detailed and thorough inspection.

inspect

This alternative conveys a careful and critical examination, often for flaws.

observe

This alternative is a single-word synonym that emphasizes the act of watching something carefully.

study

This alternative suggest a focused and systematic observation, often for learning purposes.

consider

This alternative focuses on thinking about something, rather than just visually inspecting it.

view

This alternative implies a more formal or detached observation.

regard

This alternative suggests holding something in a particular light or considering it from a specific perspective.

contemplate

This alternative implies deeper thought and reflection than simply looking.

FAQs

How can I use "look at" in a sentence?

You can use "look at" to direct someone's gaze (e.g., "Look at the stars!") or to suggest consideration (e.g., "Let's look at the facts.").

What are some alternatives to "look at"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "observe", "consider", "examine", or "take a look".

Is "look at" too informal for academic writing?

While "look at" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "analyze" or "investigate" might be more appropriate in certain academic contexts.

What's the difference between "look at" and "see"?

"Look at" implies a deliberate act of focusing your vision, while "see" is a more general term for perceiving something with your eyes. You might "see" something without intending to, but you "look at" it intentionally.